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Photo S. Thanthoni

BAD POSTURE Leaning towards the computer could result in spine curvature

Cervical spondylitis commonly afflicts the elderly. With increasing age, the vertebrae in the neck undergo degenerative changes. This causes neck pain, stiffness, and restricted neck movement. When spondylitic vertebrae impinge on a nerve root, it can cause pain, weakness, and sensory and reflex abnormalities in the region supplied by the nerve. Common manifestations include pain that travels down the shoulder and into the arm, numbness or a tingling sensation in the fingers, and weakness of grip.

Cervical spondylitis is more than just a pain in the neck. It can cause headache and even chest pain. Reduced neck movement can affect handwriting, driving, swimming, and working overhead. If Michelangelo had cervical spondylitis, the Sistine Chapel would never have been painted.

Treatment of cervical spondylitis ranges from simple analgesics to decompressive surgery. Most patients are at the non-surgical end of the spectrum. Local pain relief, physical rehabilitation, and drugs for nerve root pain suffice for the vast majority.

Physical rehabilitation begins with one simple rule: if it hurts, don’t do it. Intermittent use of a cervical collar and gentle neck traction can relieve symptoms.

Vigorous neck exercise can be dangerous and should be avoided. All exercises should be gentle and medically pre-approved. Correcting the posture, and strengthening neck, shoulder and arm muscles lessens the load on the cervical spine. One should learn these exercises correctly from a trained physiotherapist. Despite exercises and other measures, the disease progresses in many cases, and one should see a neurosurgeon or an orthopaedic surgeon regularly.

In advanced cases, it is important to limit all unnecessary neck movement. For example, laying out tools and objects in accessible places, using mirrors wisely, and using objects with long handles will save the neck the trouble of bending and turning. Computer users should position the monitor to allow a neutral spine posture. A slanted writing board, a telephone headset, and a bookshelf are all ergonomic tools for a spondylitic neck.

Even minor neck trauma can be dangerous for a spondylitic neck. Avoiding dangerous travel, taking measures to prevent falls (shoes with good traction, non-skid floors), will protect the neck.

RAJIV. M

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